Word: serotonin
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...alcohol's sedative effects in rats. Although the drug is toxic to humans, variants could one day be useful in treatment. Other scientists are studying a new class of drugs that seem to block the alcoholic's craving for a drink. These compounds boost the amount of another neurotransmitter, serotonin, in the brain, thus encouraging a sense of well-being -- and bolstering abstinence...
Crack's addictive qualities affect the brain's biochemistry. The nerve cells of the brain communicate with one another with the help of chemicals called neurotransmitters. Crack triggers the brain to release these substances, chiefly dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, at once. This overstimulation, says Rosecan, "probably results in the euphoria experienced by the user...
Over the past two decades, researchers have learned that stress triggers chemical changes in the brain. Particularly sensitive to emotional strains are the concentrations of potent chemicals called neurotransmitters, which act as messengers between nerve cells. Among these messengers: serotonin, epinephrine (previously called adrenaline), norepinephrine, acetylcholine and dopamine. In a study at Stanford, rats were forced to swim in 4°C water for three minutes. Examination of their brain tissue afterward revealed that levels of norepinephrine had fallen 20% and epinephrine 30% to 40%. Scientists also discovered that the body produces its own painkillers, morphine-like chemicals named endorphins...
Because stress alters the body's chemical balance, it seems to influence the development of many diseases, including psychiatric disorders. Depression has been associated with low levels of two neurotransmitters, serotonin and norepinephrine. Similarly, schizophrenia seems to be related to an excess of dopamine...
Similarly, scientists have found that a low level of the neurotransmitter serotonin may be linked to insomnia. Researchers have been experimenting with tryptophan, the chemical from which the body makes serotonin. Only a small dose of tryptophan-which is found in many foods, notably milk-seems to ease the insomniac to sleep...